Afghan Taliban in control of the port in Western Province bordering Iran: sources
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FARAH CITY - A joint Afghan-Iran market at the Sheikh Abu Nasar Farahi Port in western Farah province is under government control.but trucks are managed by the Taliban <link>.
Some drivers recall the Taliban took charge of traffic at the port two years ago, helping reduce disputes and irregularities. The governor’s spokesman, however, rejects the claim as groundless.
The Abu Nasar Farahi Port is situated in Pashtunkot district,132 kilometers west of Farah City. Some sources say about 200 trucks carrying good enter the country daily from Iran through this port.
Haji Syed, one of the driver who, transports goods to different parts of the country from the port, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban had no physical presence in the area but had been controlling the traffic flow for the past two years.
The insurgents impose cash fineson drivers violating rulesand impound their trucks for 15-day in Mullah <link> Lalou area, where the Taliban have established their customs office.
“We are now very happy; there is no dispute among drivers. No driver can dare violate rules and regulations and every oneis compliant,” remarked Syed.
In the past, drivers from Farah had monopolised the port, loading their truck as and when they wanted. But drivers from other provinces were not given a fair chance to load their vehicles.
Amanullah, another trucker, endorsed Syed’s statement. “Now we are comfortable, take our turn once a week and there is no dispute or disorder.”
Farah custom officials could not be reached for comments, but the governor’s spokesman, Naser Mehri, rejected the drivers’ claims that the Taliban were controlling the traffic system at the port.
He said the private sector managed trucktraffic at the Abu Nasar Port. The company has been issued a licenceby the Finance Minister in consolation with the provincial government.
